Last updated: 2026-03-15

2019 Jeep Cherokee Reliability Report
The 2019 Jeep Cherokee scores 67/100 ("Good"). With 17 recalls and 1833 owner complaints, reliability is acceptable but not class-leading.
Recalls
17
Complaints
1833
Complaint Rate
N/A
Est. Annual Cost
$520
Detailed Score Breakdown
Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume
Independent repair cost ratings
Recall count weighted by severity
Breadth of reported problem categories
The Verdict
Acceptable reliability — worth considering with a pre-purchase inspection.
Top Issues to Watch
- POWER TRAIN (686)
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (305)
- ENGINE (184)
Should You Buy the 2019 Jeep Cherokee?
The 2019 Jeep Cherokee scores 67/100 ("Good"), placing it in acceptable but not class-leading territory.
With 1833 owner complaints, some reported issues may need attention, but we don't yet see evidence of a single dominant failure mode.
A pre-purchase inspection is recommended for used examples, with particular attention to power train (686). An extended warranty may provide additional peace of mind.
Compared to the 2020 Jeep Cherokee, which scored 9 points higher. See also the 2018 Jeep Cherokee for an earlier comparison.
Pros
- +Acceptable reliability score
- +$1 cheaper to maintain than avg compact SUVs
- +Infrequent unscheduled repairs
- +Low major repair risk (12%)
Cons
- −Above-average recall count
- −Above-average complaint volume
- −POWER TRAIN: Power Transfer Unit (PTU) and transmission (686 complaints)
Compare 2019 Jeep Cherokee With

2019 Jeep Compass
Reliability: 70/100

2019 Audi Q3
Reliability: 72/100

2019 BMW X1
Reliability: 72/100

2019 Nissan Kicks
Reliability: 73/100

2019 Lexus UX
Reliability: 77/100
Common Problem Categories
Safety
LOW RISK- 17 manufacturer recalls issued
Other
HIGH RISK- POWER TRAIN (686)
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (305)
Recall Overview
17
recalls on record
The 2019 Jeep Cherokee has 17 recalls on record, which is above average. A higher recall count can indicate multiple component concerns. However, recalls also demonstrate that the manufacturer is actively addressing known issues. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.
NHTSA.gov →Complaint Breakdown
1833
complaintsSafety Incidents
55
Crashes
21
Fires
46
Injuries
0
Deaths
NHTSA 5/5 Stars
Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.
2019 Jeep Cherokee Recall Details
17 recalls have been issued for the 2019 Jeep Cherokee. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019 Jeep Cherokee vehicles. The instrument cluster may fail resulting in a lack of activation of warning chimes, messages, and gauges.
Consequence
Without the activation of warning chimes, messages, and gauges to provide vehicle information to the driver, there would be an increased risk of a crash.
Remedy
Chrysler has notified owners, and dealers will inspect and, as necessary, replace the instrument cluster, free of charge. The recall began February 7, 2019. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is UC4.
POWER TRAIN
Chrysler(FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019 Jeep Cherokee vehicles equipped with 2.4L engines. Improper transmission calibration may result in a stall.
Consequence
A vehicle stall can increase the risk of crash.
Remedy
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will re-flash the transmission controller with a new calibration, free of charge. The recall began November 2, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is UA9.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Jeep Renegade, Compass and Grand Cherokee, RAM 1500 and Promaster, Fiat 500x, Dodge Journey, Challenger, Charger and Durango and Chrysler 300x vehicles, 2017-2018 Jeep Wrangler, Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town and Country vehicles and 2018-2019 Jeep Cherokee and 2018 Chrysler Pacifica and Pacifica Hybrid vehicles. The powertrain control module may be equipped with a voltage regulator chip in the circuit board that may fail, causing a stall or a no start condition.
Consequence
A vehicle stall can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the powertrain control module, free of charge. The recall began October 2, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U87.
Showing 10 of 17 recalls. View all on NHTSA.gov →
2019 Jeep Cherokee NHTSA Safety Ratings
Overall Safety Rating
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)
Gas Powertrain
Rollover risk: 16.9%
Safety Technologies
Jeep Cherokee Repair Costs & Maintenance
Maintenance Rating
4Maintenance rating: 4 out of 5Based on NHTSA complaint patterns, recall severity, and publicly available cost benchmarks.
Est. Annual Maintenance
$520
vs $521 avg for compact SUVs
vs $652 avg for all vehicles
Repair Frequency
0.2
unscheduled repair visits per year
Severe Repair Probability
12%
chance of a major repair
Annual Cost Comparison
Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.
Used Buying Checklist
Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing a 2019 Jeep Cherokee.
Test infotainment system for freezing or unresponsiveness
Inspect for engine ticking sounds or misfiring
Check for transmission shudder or failure to shift
Verify brake lights turn off when not pressed
Ensure power steering operates smoothly
Check for any recall repairs that are incomplete
Buying a 2019 Cherokee? Check Its History First
Every 2019 Jeep Cherokee has a different past. A VIN check reveals hidden accidents, title problems, odometer rollbacks, and open recalls that reliability scores can't show you.
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2019 Jeep Cherokee Common Problems by Component
1833 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
POWER TRAIN
686 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners report frequent issues with the power train in the 2019 Jeep Cherokee, particularly involving the Power Transfer Unit (PTU) and transmission. Complaints frequently mention rough downshifting, loss of power, and vehicles failing to shift out of gear, often requiring a complete stop and restart to resolve. These issues typically appear around 79,000 miles, though some occur earlier. Safety implications are notable, with seven complaints involving crashes and at least one injury, often due to sudden loss of power or control. Potential buyers should be aware of these recurring issues, especially considering the potential for significant repair costs and safety risks.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
305 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2019 Jeep Cherokee frequently report issues with the electrical system, notably involving the vehicle stalling or shutting down unexpectedly while driving, often accompanied by warning lights such as the check engine, ABS, and ESC lights. Complaints often describe problems with the Uconnect touchscreen delaminating, leading to unresponsive or erratic behavior that affects vehicle settings. Several reports highlight unresolved recall-related issues affecting critical systems like the ABS and ESC, with some owners experiencing a complete loss of vehicle control or the vehicle rolling backward unexpectedly. These problems are typically observed at varying mileages, with some occurring as early as 17,000 miles. Safety implications are notable, with reports of a crash and multiple fires, making these issues particularly relevant for potential used car buyers to consider.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
193 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners report several issues with the 2019 Jeep Cherokee, notably involving the Uconnect infotainment system and electronic stability control. Complaints frequently mention screen delamination, leading to unresponsive touch inputs and "ghost taps," which can interfere with navigation and safety features. Multiple owners describe the vehicle unexpectedly shutting off at stoplights or while driving, with some experiencing this issue multiple times over several months. Affected vehicles often have mileage ranging from low to mid-range, with some reports indicating problems as early as 12,500 miles. Safety implications include one reported crash due to a broken control arm and numerous instances of vehicles becoming inoperable, which may pose hazards in traffic.
ENGINE (184 complaints)
ENGINE
184 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2019 Jeep Cherokee frequently report engine issues, particularly related to the 3.6L engine. Common problems include engine stalling at various speeds, often accompanied by warning lights or dashboard messages about shifting to park. Additionally, multiple owners describe severe misfiring and ticking sounds, often linked to camshaft wear and lifter failures, with some reports of complete engine failure. These issues typically occur between 50,000 and 109,000 miles. Safety concerns are noted, with complaints of sudden power loss at highway speeds, and some reports involve fires and a crash. Potential buyers should be aware of these patterns when considering this vehicle.
STEERING (130 complaints)
STEERING
130 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners report issues with the steering system of the 2019 Jeep Cherokee, often describing the steering wheel seizing or locking up, particularly during turns, which sometimes requires excessive force to correct. Complaints frequently mention that these problems occur at various speeds, with some incidents leading to crashes and injuries. Typical symptoms include the steering wheel becoming stuck in a turned position, power steering failure, and the steering not returning to center after a turn. These issues appear across a range of mileages, often around 60,000 to 90,000 miles. Safety implications are significant, with multiple reports of loss of control leading to crashes, and in one case, a fire was reported.
SERVICE BRAKES (129 complaints)
SERVICE BRAKES
129 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners report persistent issues with the service brakes on the 2019 Jeep Cherokee, frequently mentioning illuminated warning lights for ABS, ESC, and other systems. Complaints often describe brake lights remaining on when the pedal is not depressed, and the vehicle shifting unexpectedly, which may lead to rollaway situations. These issues are commonly noted at mileages ranging from 22,000 to 169,000 miles, with many owners highlighting delays in recall repairs due to unavailable parts. Safety implications include reports of crashes and injuries, underscoring the critical nature of these brake-related problems.
AIR BAGS (41 complaints)
AIR BAGS
41 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners report frequent issues with the airbag systems in the 2019 Jeep Cherokee, with many complaints involving airbag warning lights illuminating without cause. Multiple owners describe situations where airbags failed to deploy during crashes, resulting in injuries and vehicle total losses. These incidents often occur at various mileage ranges, with some vehicles having as few as 9,000 miles and others around 74,000 miles. The complaints also highlight several instances of airbag deployment without an accident, such as headrest airbags deploying unexpectedly. Safety implications are significant, with numerous reports of crashes where airbags did not activate, leading to injuries. Potential buyers should be aware of these patterns when considering a used 2019 Jeep Cherokee.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (31 complaints)
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
31 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2019 Jeep Cherokee frequently report issues with unintended acceleration and loss of acceleration power. Symptoms often include the vehicle accelerating on its own, sometimes with no warning lights, and the car losing power or switching to neutral unexpectedly, forcing drivers to pull over. These problems are reported across various mileage ranges, with some incidents occurring as early as 1,070 miles. Safety implications are significant, with three reported crashes, including one instance where the vehicle accelerated in reverse, resulting in property damage. Buyers considering this model should be aware of these recurring issues and the potential safety risks associated with them.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (17 complaints)
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
17 complaintsOwners report several recurring issues with the 2019 Jeep Cherokee's engine and cooling systems. Complaints frequently mention engine overheating, coolant leaks, and oil consumption problems. Symptoms include illuminated check engine lights, misfires, and stalling, often occurring around 70,000 to 130,000 miles. Some reports indicate coolant intrusion into the engine, leading to head gasket failures, and oil leaks from the oil cooler or oil pan. Safety implications include potential loss of motive power and stalling, though no crashes or fires are noted. Buyers should be aware of these issues, particularly in vehicles with higher mileage.
SUSPENSION (17 complaints)
SUSPENSION
17 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners report several issues related to the suspension of the 2019 Jeep Cherokee, with frequent mentions of vibrations and noises at various speeds. Common symptoms include creaking sounds from the front tire areas, abnormal shaking, and vibrations felt through the steering wheel and brake pedal. These issues often occur at mileage ranging from 31,000 to over 120,000 miles. Safety concerns are highlighted by reports of crashes, including incidents where the lower control arm detaches, leading to loss of control, and at least one report includes a fire. Buyers should be aware of these potential safety implications and the possibility of unresolved suspension defects when considering this vehicle.
When Do 2019 Jeep Cherokee Problems Start?
Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.
Best & Worst Jeep Cherokee Years
Comprehensive reliability analysis based on NHTSA data, owner complaints, and historical performance.
Best Jeep Cherokee Years to Buy
Based on reliability index scoreThe best Jeep Cherokee year is 2020 with a reliability score of 76/100, rated good. Other strong picks include 2025 (75/100) and 2018 (68/100).
Jeep Cherokee Years to Avoid
No Jeep Cherokee years are statistical outliers in our data.
All model years score consistently well. The Jeep Cherokee maintains one of the highest industry standards for long-term durability across its entire production span.
Jeep Cherokee Reliability Score Trend
Jeep Cherokee reliability has remained consistent across model years, averaging 69/100.
Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.
| Year | Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 68/100 | Good |
| 2019 | 67/100 | Good |
| 2020 | 76/100 | Good |
| 2021 | 67/100 | Good |
| 2023 | 66/100 | Good |
| 2024 | 67/100 | Good |
| 2025 | 75/100 | Good |
Jeep Cherokee Reliability Compared to Other Years
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2019 Jeep Cherokee reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2019 Jeep Cherokee?
How many recalls does the 2019 Jeep Cherokee have?
Is the 2019 Jeep Cherokee expensive to maintain?
Don’t buy a 2019 Jeep Cherokee without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.
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How We Calculate Reliability Scores
Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.
Key Ranking Factors
Complaint Severity
NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.
Repair Costs
Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.
Recall Impact
Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.
Issue Diversity
Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.
Scores are grouped into four tiers:
- 80–100: Excellent — Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
- 60–79: Good — Reliable with some minor concerns
- 40–59: Mixed — Notable issues, research before buying
- 0–39: Risky — Significant problems, proceed with caution
Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.
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